FinMin proposes to widen probe into Wal-mart's lobbying activities

The finance ministry has proposed to widen the ambit for a probe into retail giant Walmart's lobbying activities in India.

Last month, the government announced an inquiry into lobbying practices by Wal-Mart after a report that the retailer had pressed US lawmakers to help gain access to foreign markets.

The report spurred opposition lawmakers to call for an inquiry into whether any money was spent in India. Reuters

The report spurred opposition lawmakers to call for an inquiry into whether any money was spent in India, even though the disclosure filing only referred to lobbying activities in the United States.

According to a CNBC-TV18 report, North Block wants to probe if the world's largest retailer had contravened any Indian law.

The draft probe terms, that have been discussed by the finance minister and Parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath, have been forwarded by the Prime Minister's Office to the Corporate Affairs Ministry. The PMO has asked the Corporate Affairs Ministry to move the cabinet with its proposal on the Walmart probe.

The final terms of the Walmart probe will be decided by the Cabinet. A three-month deadline has been set for the report.

Kamal Nath had earlier announced in Parliament that a retired judge would lead this probe.